Two more companies are entering the DRM filled world of music downloads. Both HMV and Virgin are looking to eat into the market share of Apple's iTunes.
As of today, HMV has launched its HMV Digital service, which could have lower prices than what Apple is charging through iTunes.
I downloaded the HMV Digital player to get a feel for it. The installer decided to force close all other running applications without prior warning, which was nice. Once I'd successfully installed it, I found it to be a very Windows Media Player-esque affair.
There's the usual array of features you'd expect. A media library, portable player synchronisation CD ripping and burning and of course access to the HMV Digital site to purchase and download songs.
Virgin also have a download store in the works. According to Sky News, there will be a pay as you go service and also a subscription based service. A tenner a month to let you download songs, or £14.99 a month if you actually want to transfer music onto a portable player.
It's reported that neither service is iPod compatible, so will they stand a chance of being successful? Perhaps if prices are more competitive then yes. Personally, I'd rather buy a tangible item that won't suddenly be deleted if I stop paying a subscription.
